Bridging Generations.

Nigeria’s population is young, with a median age below 20, yet decision-making structures remain concentrated in the hands of much older generations. This subtheme examines the need to build clear and deliberate pathways for generational renewal in leadership across public institutions, private enterprises, and civil society. It focuses on how systems can evolve to allow younger Nigerians to contribute meaningfully to national development without waiting decades to be included.

Sessions tied to this theme will explore intergenerational dialogue, civic education, and leadership development as necessary tools for preparing future leaders. They will also address issues such as education reform, skills training, and political participation, including voter registration and policy advocacy. The goal is to understand how today’s leaders can build environments that foster responsibility, integrity, and competence in younger citizens, and how institutional design can enable smoother transitions rather than abrupt or contested shifts in leadership.

The discussions will consider the long-term risks of generational disconnect and how mentorship, inclusion, and reform can create a leadership pipeline that reflects the demographic realities of Nigeria. Leadership renewal must be intentional if Nigeria is to harness the energy and ideas of its youth while preserving institutional memory and experience.